Method of supporting a solar energy collection unit

ABSTRACT

A method ( 92 ) of supporting a solar energy collection unit ( 22, 54, 76 ) of a solar energy system ( 20, 52, 78 ) calls for redistributing ( 96 ) earth at a worksite ( 26 ) to form an elevated earthen structure ( 24 ) having a sun facing surface ( 28 ), compacting ( 102 ) the earthen structure ( 24 ), and arranging ( 106 ) the solar energy collection unit ( 22, 54, 76 ) upon the sun facing surface ( 28 ) of the earthen structure ( 24 ). The earthen structure ( 24 ) may include internal strengthening material ( 32 ) detached from the energy collection unit ( 22, 54, 76 ) and the earthen structure ( 24 ) may be encased in a binder material ( 34 ) for additional stability. Channels ( 48, 50 ) may be provided proximate the earthen structure ( 24 ) for fluid supply and release functions.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of solar energy systems. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a stable structure forsupporting a solar energy collection unit of a solar energy system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to the finite supply of fossil energy sources, the globalenvironmental damage caused by fossil fuels, increasing energy demand,and economic forces, society is becoming compelled to diversify energyresources, utilize existing fossil fuels more effectively, and reducepollutants. An alternative energy resource, solar power, is already inwidespread use where other supplies of power are absent such as inremote locations and in space. Solar power generally describes a numberof methods of harnessing energy from the light of the sun.

Solar power technologies can be classified as either direct or indirect.Direct solar power involves only one transformation into a usable form.Direct solar power utilizes solar energy collection units such asphotovoltaic cells for creating electricity, solar thermal collectorsfor creating heat energy, solar sails for imparting motion, fiber opticcables for conducting sunlight into building interiors to createsupplemental lighting, and so forth.

Indirect solar power involves more than one transformation to reach ausable form. An exemplary type of power generation that employs indirectsolar power is the use of photosynthesis to convert solar energy tochemical energy which can later be burned as fuel. The concept of usingphotosynthesis to convert solar energy to chemical energy has beenexpanded into using algae to convert carbon dioxide from waste emissionsto useful, high-value biomass products. This methodology is generallyreferred to as carbon dioxide bio-regeneration. Early ventures entailedpumping emission gases through the base of a pond and growing algae onthe surface. Unfortunately, the algae was difficult to harvest and theenergy required to “churn” the pond to ensure full algal exposure tosunlight was expensive. More recent efforts have been directed towardenclosed bioreactor systems that function as solar energy collectionunits, with the object being to increase algae production in acost-effective manner. Such innovations in bioreactor systems involvestreamlining the harvesting of algae, limiting the energy required tooperate the system, automating necessary controls (e.g. flow controllersand gas uptake), minimizing the physical space requirements, and soforth. Such innovations have increased the economic viability ofutilizing indirect solar power for carbon dioxide regeneration.

Although solar collection efficiency has increased and the costs for thevarious solar energy collection units, such as photovoltaic cells,thermal collectors, fiber optic elements, algal bioreactors, and thelike is decreasing through technological innovation, the costeffectiveness of the host support structures is not correspondinglydecreasing.

Such host support structures must secure the solar energy collectionunits in order to withstand climatic stresses such as, wind, rain, sandstorms, floods, snow, and the like. The host support structures mustalso secure the solar energy collection units in order to withstandgeologic stresses including earthquakes, erosion, and the like.

In order to withstand the various climatic and geologic stresses, priorart support structures for solar energy collection units require a heavystructural steel pedestal or framework, typically embedded in a largeconcrete base or foundation. Typical installations have becomesufficiently large so that cranes are required to move and install thestructural steel, cement is trucked in to support the steel framework,and multiple visits to the site by multiple workers are required tocomplete the installation. Unfortunately, the construction of such alarge structure is quite expensive, is difficult to install in remotelocations, and is expensive to maintain.

Consequently, a major obstacle to a more widespread exploitation of bothdirect and indirect solar power technologies has been the development ofstable, yet cost-effective, host structures for supporting solar energycollection units in alignment with incident rays of the sun.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that a methodof supporting a solar energy collection unit of a solar energy system isprovided.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a method ofsupporting a solar energy collection unit is provided that allows theuse of local materials to support the solar energy collection unit.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a method ofsupporting a solar energy collection unit is provided that is readilycustomizable, stable under stress conditions, cost effective to buildand maintain, and has a minimal long term impact on the localenvironment.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin one form by a method of supporting a solar energy collection unit ofa solar energy system. The method calls for redistributing earth at aworksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facingsurface, compacting the earthen structure, and arranging the solarenergy collection unit upon the sun facing surface of the earthenstructure.

The above and other advantages of the present invention are carried outin another form by a method of supporting a photosynthetic bioreactor ofa solar energy system. The method calls for redistributing earth at aworksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facingsurface, orienting the sun facing surface at an angular elevation fromhorizontal of greater than ten degrees and less than ninety degrees, andcompacting the earthen structure. The method further calls forexcavating a channel proximate the earthen structure and arranging thephotosynthetic bioreactor upon the sun facing surface of the earthenstructure. A supply fluid is directed through the channel and a fluidinlet of the photosynthetic bioreactor is supplied with the supply fluidfrom the channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconnection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer tosimilar items throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary perspective view of a solarenergy system having a plurality of solar energy collection unitssupported by elevated earthen structures at a worksite;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of one of the elevated earthen structureshaving internal strengthening material and encased in a binder material;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of one of the exemplary elevated earthenstructures oriented to provide shade for a portion of the solar energysystem;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of one of the exemplary elevated earthenstructures including a fluid supply channel and a fluid release channelfor a photosynthetic bioreactor solar energy system;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one of the earthen structuressupporting a plurality of tubular photosynthetic bioreactors;

FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional view of one of the earthen structuresand one of the tubular photosynthetic bioreactors at section lines 6-6of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a partial side view of a plurality of earthen structuresformed at a worksite on non-flat terrain;

FIG. 8 shows a partial side view of horizontally arranged solar energycollection units supported by a plurality of earthen structures formedat a worksite on non-flat terrain;

FIG. 9 shows a partial front view of the tubular solar energy collectionunits and earthen structures of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an installation process for supporting asolar energy collection unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention; and

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a top view of a portion of an exemplarysolar energy system configured in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to methods of supporting a solar energycollection unit of a solar energy system. The solar energy systemencompasses a variety of direct and indirect solar power technologies.Similarly, the solar energy collection unit encompasses a variety ofexisting and emerging apparatuses such as a photovoltaic cell, a thermalcollector, a fiber optic collector, an enclosed photosyntheticbioreactor, and the like. In certain embodiments, the disclosed methodsof supporting a solar energy collection unit provided herein can beutilized as part of an integrated photosynthetic bioreactor solar energysystem that at least partially converts certain pollutant compounds,such as carbon dioxide, contained within combustion gases to biomass.

The term “photosynthetic bioreactor” used herein refers to an apparatuscontaining, or configured to contain, a liquid medium carrying at leastone species of photosynthetic organism and having at least one surfaceof which is transparent to light of a wavelength capable of drivingphotosynthesis. The terms “photosynthetic organism” or “biomass,” usedherein includes those organisms capable of photosynthetic growth, suchas plant cells and micro-organisms (including algae and euglena). Theterm “biofuel” used herein includes any fuel that derives from biomassproduced in the photosynthetic bioreactor.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary perspective view of a solarenergy system 20 having a plurality of solar energy collection units 22supported by elevated earthen structures 24 at a worksite 26. Solarenergy collection units 22 are arranged on a sun facing surface 28 ofearthen structures 24. Sun facing surface 28 is that side of earthenstructure 24 that is exposed to a sufficient duration of sunlight forsolar energy collection. Sun facing surface 28 has a surface area atleast as great as the surface area of the one or more solar energycollection units 22, so that earthen structures 24 fully support units22. The present invention involves methodology for supporting solarenergy collection units 22 by utilizing earthen structures 24 in lieu ofa heavy structural steel pedestal or framework embedded in a largeconcrete base or foundation.

Solar energy collection units 22 in this exemplary illustration may bephotovoltaic cells, thermal collectors, and the like. Consequently,solar energy system 20 may include other supporting equipment, forexample, wiring, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, and the like,not shown herein for simplicity of illustration. In addition, only threeearthen structures 24 are shown for simplicity of illustration. Itshould be understood that the quantity of earthen structures can bereadily scaled to accommodate a quantity of solar energy collectionunits 22 that form system 20.

Earthen structures 24 are formed utilizing the local material atworksite 26, such as sand, soil, rock, mud, and various densities ofearthen blends. Such an arrangement can be built utilizing conventionalearth-moving equipment, such as graders, shovels, excavators, and thelike to redistribute the local material to host solar energy collectionunits 22. In addition, since local material is simply redistributed tosupport solar energy collection units 22, a great array of designs forplowing and/or excavating worksite 26 are envisioned that capitalize onthe geography of worksite 26, and accommodate large scale solar energysystems. That is, alignment and realignment of solar energy collectionunits 22 can be accomplished by simply reshaping host earthen structures24 and repositioning solar energy collection units 22 upon them.

Since earthen structures 24 are constructed utilizing local materials,earthen structures 24 can be installed in a variety of locations.Preferably, worksite 26 is non-arable, thereby saving arable land foragriculture, while effectively utilizing heretofore unused land. Earthenstructures 24 may host low profile indigenous plant life to furtherstabilize earthen structures 24 and to create a more natural,aesthetically pleasing appearance. Consequently, earthen structures 24of solar energy system 20 may be more readily accepted by the generalpublic.

The use of local earthen materials in building earthen structures 24provides for more efficient, time effective installation, thusdecreasing setup costs. Moreover, earthen structures 24 can be repairedwith materials in direct proximity to the installation, loweringmaintenance costs and accelerating time to operation. Furthermore, theuse of local earthen materials allows decommissioning of theinstallation with minimal environmental impact because the localmaterials can be returned to their natural position.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of elevated earthen structure 24 havinginternal strengthening material 32 and encased in a binder material 34.Strengthening material 32 may be non-earthen material, such as wood,plastic, metal, or composites. Binder material 34 may be formed frommud, clay, adobe, or some other sun-dried or sun-dryable locallyavailable material.

Evaluation of worksite 26 may reveal that the earthen support structuresfor solar energy collection units 22 may require additionalstrengtheners for assuring overall structural integrity. Non-earthenstrengthening material 32 may optionally be incorporated into earthenstructure 24 to provide this additional strength to earthen structure24. In a preferred embodiment, non-earthen strengthening material 32 isdetached from solar energy collection unit 22. This allows readyreconfiguration and/or replacement of units 22 without having to accessmaterial 32 by partially or totally destroying earthen structure 24.Non-earthen strengthening material 32 in a triangular configuration ispresented for simplicity. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatstrengthening material 32 can be any of a great variety of sizes,shapes, and densities.

Further evaluation of worksite 26 may reveal that the earthen structuresmay be subject to erosion from dust storms, rains, flooding, and thelike. Earthen structure 24 may optionally be encased in binder material34 to assure surface integrity and robustness in the face of erosiveaction of wind or water.

It should be noted that sun facing surface 28 of earthen structure 24,and the other earthen structures constructed in accordance with thepresent invention, is oriented at an elevation angle 36 from horizontalof greater than ten degrees and less than ninety degrees. The degree ofelevation angle 36 is determined to suit the particular sun exposurerequirements of solar energy collection units 22 so as to optimize theenergy output of units 22.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of exemplary elevated earthen structure 24oriented to provide shade for a portion of solar energy system 20, suchas electronic equipment 40. Electronic equipment 40 may encompasselements, such as wiring, charge controllers, batteries, inverters, andthe like, for solar energy system 20. As shown, electronic equipment 40is positioned on the side of earthen structure 24 away from sun facingsurface 28. Consequently, earthen structure 24 is generally shaded by ashadow 42 cast by earthen structure 24. Proper positioning of electronicequipment 40 in shadow 42 protects equipment 40 from the degradingeffects of prolonged sun exposure and relieves heat stress on equipment40. Alternatively, a separate earthen shade structure (not shown) may beformed through the redistribution of local materials.

It should be further noted that earthen structure 24 provides a thermalmanagement service to solar energy system 20 (FIG. 1). Earthen structure24 has large mass and can absorb and sink excess heat loads off theelements of solar energy system 20 that have susceptibility to high heatstress. Thus, use of earthen structure 24 to assist the thermalmanagement of system 20 provides a passive, high reliability, and costefficient method to relieve cumulative and peaking heat loads on solarenergy collection units 22 and electronics that are used in solar energysystem 20.

Heat may be dumped directly to earthen structure 24 by burying a tab 44or heat pipe mechanism from the bezel or frame of solar energycollection units 22 into earthen structure 24. When solar energycollection units 22 are thermal collectors, working fluids that areintentionally heated in units 22 can be optionally routed via enclosedpiping through the surface of earthen structure 24 (not shown).Consequently, the working fluids are insulated by earthen structure 24preserving the energy efficiency of the overall system during coolerportions of the day or night.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of exemplary elevated earthen structure 24including a fluid supply channel 48 and a fluid release channel 50 for aphotosynthetic bioreactor solar energy system 52. System 52 includessolar energy collection units in the form of enclosed photosyntheticbioreactors 54, of which one is visible, and earthen structure 24supports photosynthetic bioreactors 54.

In general, photosynthetic bioreactors 54 contain a liquid mediumcarrying a photosynthetic organism, for example, algae, and have atransparent surface 56 for driving photosynthesis. The algae inphotosynthetic bioreactor solar energy system 52 absorb carbon dioxidefrom a source, in the presence of solar energy, through the productionof cell mass. The source of carbon dioxide may be combustion gas, i.e.,flue gas, produced by fossil fuel users, such as coal, oil, and gasplants. The algal biomass can be harvested from photosyntheticbioreactors 54 for creating biofuel, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and soforth. Those skilled in the art of algal biotechnology will recognizethat some algal cultures can also be used in photosynthetic bioreactors54 for biological removal of nitrogen compounds found in flue gases.

A particular configuration of photosynthetic bioreactors 54 is not alimitation of the present invention. Rather, photosynthetic bioreactors54 can be any of a variety of conventional and emerging photosyntheticbioreactor configurations, including “bubble columns” or “air liftreactors,” that are supportable by earthen structure 24. The liquidmedium contained in photosynthetic bioreactors 54 is typically water.However, the water need not be potable, but may be sea water, brackishwater, or other non-potable locally obtained water containing sufficientnutrients to facilitate viability and growth of algae contained withinthe liquid medium.

In a preferred embodiment, the methodology of the present inventionentails providing fluid supply channel 48 and/or fluid release channel50 by excavating earth at worksite 26 proximate earthen structure 24. Asupply fluid, i.e., water, represented by an arrow 58, is directedthrough fluid supply channel 48, and is supplied to a fluid inlet 60 ofeach of photosynthetic bioreactors 54. A release fluid, represented byan arrow 62, is supplied to fluid release channel 50 from a fluid outlet64 of each of photosynthetic bioreactors 54, and is directed throughfluid release channel 50. Release fluid 62 contains water and aconcentrated amount of biomass. This biomass can be harvested at thelocation of fluid outlet 64, or alternatively, at a centralized algalcollector (not shown) in fluid communication with fluid release channel50.

Fluid channels 48 and 50 provide a system for channeling fluid to andfrom photosynthetic bioreactors 54, thus saving on expenses associatedwith piping and pipe installation. Of course, those skilled in the artwill recognize that fluid channels 48 and 50 can be excavated with aslope that further facilitates fluid flow in the desired direction. Inaddition, since fluid channels 48 and 50 may be open, water flow fromrain and snow can be collected in fluid channels 48 and 50 for usewithin photosynthetic bioreactors 54. The water flow collected in fluidchannels 48 and 50 may also support co-located plant growth 66 atworksite 26 or patching of a worn structure with mud or adobe.

In an alternative embodiment, fluid supply channel 48 and fluid releasechannel 50 may be provided in the form of enclosed tubular members,i.e., pipes, that can be buried or can lie above ground. The enclosedtubular members may be in various cross-sectional shapes, such ascircular, rectangular, oval, crescent, and so forth, in accordance withthe particular configuration of the solar energy system. The enclosedtubular members may be transparent or transparent for specific lightwavelength to optimize growth of algal biomass.

In an exemplary embodiment, photosynthetic bioreactor solar energysystem 52 may be a large scale operation at worksite 26 covering atleast one hundred acres. Substantially an entirety of worksite 36 maythen be utilized to form a plurality of elevated earthen structures 24for supporting a plurality of photosynthetic bioreactors 54, or othersuch solar energy collection units. Efficient algae production inconcert with cost effective installation and maintenance of earthensupport structures 24 facilitate the economical production of largequantities of biomass while advantageously reducing pollutant materialsin combustion gases.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of earthenstructure 24 supporting a plurality of tubular photosyntheticbioreactors 54, and FIG. 6 shows a partial sectional view of earthenstructure 24 and one of tubular photosynthetic bioreactors 54 at sectionlines 6-6 of FIG. 6. Tubular photosynthetic bioreactors 54 are arrangedon earthen structure such that a longitudinal axis 67 of each ofbioreactors 54 is aligned with the slope of elevated sun facing surface28 of earthen structure 24.

The methodology of the present invention entails conforming sun facingsurface 28 of earthen structure 24 to a shape of the solar energycollection unit, in this case tubular photosynthetic bioreactors 54.This is especially evident in FIG. 6 in which a trough 68 has beenexcavated to accommodate one of photosynthetic bioreactors 54. Theconformed earthen structure 24 with troughs 68 retains tubularphotosynthetic bioreactors 54 in place thereby creating stable retentionof bioreactors 54 and optimizing their exposure to sunlight, andfacilitating thermal management of the liquid medium circulating inbioreactors 54. Photosynthetic bioreactors 54 are illustrated herein asbeing generally circular in cross-section for simplicity ofillustration. However, it should be understood that photosyntheticbioreactors 54 may be in other cross-sectional shapes, such asrectangular, oval, crescent, and so forth, in accordance with theparticular configuration of the solar energy system.

FIG. 7 shows a partial side view of a plurality of earthen structures 24formed at worksite 26 on non-flat terrain 72. In particular, non-flatterrain 72 is excavated to create terraces 74, and earthen structures 24are formed on terraces 74. Solar energy collection units 22 of solarenergy system 20 are subsequently arranged on each of earthen structures24. The use of earthen structures 24 readily permits the use of non-flatterrain 72 for solar energy system 22. Terraces 74 made of local,earthen material may be built, e.g. plowed or excavated, in a mannerthat allows solar energy collection units 22 to be hosted on hills,valley sides, or in gullies. This technique may allow the use of agreater number of solar energy collection units 22 on a smallerfootprint than on flat terrain, again increasing economic efficiency ofsolar energy system 20.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, FIG. 8 shows a partial side view ofhorizontally arranged solar energy collection units 76 of a solar energysystem 78. Solar energy collection units 76 are supported by a pluralityof earthen structures 24 formed at worksite 26 on non-flat terrain 72.FIG. 9 shows a partial front view of horizontally arranged tubular solarenergy collection units 76 and earthen structures 24. As explained inconnection with FIG. 7, non-flat terrain 72 is excavated to createterraces 74, and earthen structures 24 are formed on terraces 74 in amanner that allows solar energy collection units 76 to be hosted onhills, valley sides, or in gullies thereby allowing the use of a greaternumber of solar energy collection units 22 on a smaller footprint thanon flat terrain.

In this exemplary configuration, each of horizontally arranged solarenergy collection units 76 on each of terraces 74 is interconnected viaa feeder tube 80, and adjacent terraces 74 are sloped in opposingdirections. A supply fluid, such as water, represented by an arrow 82,is supplied to a fluid inlet 84 of a first, or highest, one of solarenergy collection units 76 via, for example, fluid supply channel 48(FIG. 4). Supply fluid 82 flows downwardly through successive solarenergy collection units 76 and feeder tubes 80 under the influence ofgravity. A release fluid, represented by an arrow 86, is eventuallyreleased at a fluid outlet 88 from a last, or lowest, one of solarenergy collection units 76 to, for example, fluid release channel 50(FIG. 4).

Solar energy system 78 having horizontally arranged solar energycollection units 76 may be a heat gather or may alternatively be aphotosynthetic bioreactor. When solar energy system 78 is configured asa heat gatherer, supply fluid 82 is heated as it flows through solarenergy collection units 76, and hot release fluid 86 is released at afluid outlet 88. When solar energy system 78 is configured as aphotosynthetic bioreactor, release fluid 86 can contain water and aconcentrated amount of biomass. This biomass can be harvested at thelocation of fluid outlet 88, or alternatively, at a centralized algalcollector (not shown) in fluid communication with fluid outlet 88.

As most clearly seen in FIG. 8, each of earthen structures 24 may beconfigured to include a trough 90 or a generally parabolic surface. Eachtrough 90 cradles one of solar energy collection units 76 for retentionand stability of units 76. In addition, troughs 90 can function toconcentrate solar energy toward solar energy collection units 76. Toenhance this concentration of solar energy, each trough 90 may be linedwith a mirrored surface using, for example, polished aluminum.

Solar energy collection units 76 are shown as being generally circularin cross-section for simplicity of illustration. However, it should beunderstood that solar energy collection units 76 may be in various othercross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, oval, crescent, and soforth, in accordance with the particular configuration of solar energysystem 78.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an installation process 92 for supporting asolar energy collection unit in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention. In light of the various custom configurationsdescribed in connection with FIGS. 1-9, FIG. 10 generalizes tasksperformed to develop worksite 26 to support solar energy collectionunits 22 and/or solar energy collection units in the form ofphotosynthetic bioreactors 54 and horizontally arranged solar energycollection units 76 on earthen structures 24.

It should be observed that installation process 92 includes some taskboxes formed from solid lines and other task boxes formed from dashedlines. The task boxes formed from solid lines represent those tasksrequired for any earthen structure configuration, whereas the task boxesformed from dashed lines represent optional tasks that are dependentupon worksite geography and the particular solar energy systemconfiguration.

Process 92 begins with a task 94. Task 94 is an initial step in whichrequirements of the particular solar energy system are defined and theearthen structure configuration is determined. The particularconfiguration for earthen structures 24 depends in large part upon localgeography, size and quantity of the solar energy collection units,desired elevation angle for the units, and whether fluid supply andrelease channels are required.

Once certain configuration decisions have been made, installationprocess 92 proceeds to a task 96 at which graders, shovels, excavators,and the like are employed to redistribute earth at worksite 26 (FIG. 1)to form the particular elevated earthen structure.

Optional tasks 98 and 100 may be performed in connection with task 80.At task 98, internal strengthening material 32 (FIG. 2) may beincorporated into earthen structure 24. At task 100, fluid supplychannel 48 (FIG. 4) and/or fluid release channel 50 (FIG. 4) may beprovided through excavation at worksite 26 or by installing enclosedmembers, i.e., piping.

Next, a task 102 is performed regardless of the particular configurationof earthen structure 24. At task 102, the redistributed earth used toform earthen structure 24 is compacted to form a stable structure.

Following task 102, an optional task 104 may be performed. At task 104,the surface and surrounding area of the recently compacted earthenstructure 24 may be stabilized. For example, earthen structure 24 may beencased with binder material 34 (FIG. 2) and/or plant life may beinstalled around earthen structure 24 for vegetation control. Followingeither of tasks 102 or 104, a task 106 is performed.

At task 106, solar energy collection units 22 (FIG. 1), photosynthesisbioreactors 54 (FIG. 4), or horizontally arranged solar energycollection units 76 (FIG. 8) are arranged upon sun facing surface 28 ofearthen structures 24. That is, the solar energy collection units arelaid upon earthen structures 24 without the encumbrance and associatedinstallation complexity and cost of structural steel supports andconcrete foundations.

An optional task 108 is performed if fluid medium is utilized inconnection with the particular solar energy system configuration, suchas photosynthesis bioreactor solar energy system 52 (FIG. 4) or solarenergy system 78 (FIG. 8). At task 108, when a fluid medium is utilized,fluid supply and release systems are configured. Configuration entails,for example, providing supply fluid 58 (FIG. 4), adjusting fluid valves,and/or activating any intervening fluid pumps.

In addition to optional task 108, or in lieu of optional task 108, anoptional task 110 is performed. At optional task 110, electronicequipment 40 (FIG. 3) may be configured. Configuration entails, forexample, positioning electronic equipment 40 in shadow 42 (FIG. 3) ofearthen structures 24 and making the necessary connections to solarenergy collection units 22. Installation process 92 ends following task110.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram of a top view of a portion of an exemplarysolar energy system configured in accordance with the present invention.More specifically, the exemplary solar energy system is photosyntheticbioreactor solar energy system 52 in which photosynthetic bioreactors 54are arranged on earthen structures 24. FIG. 11 is presented toillustrate a channel structure, either open or enclosed piping, that maybe efficiently implemented to provide supply fluid 58 via fluid supplychannel 48 to each of a plurality of photosynthetic bioreactors 54, andto remove release fluid 62 via fluid release channel 50 from each ofphotosynthetic bioreactors 54.

Photosynthetic bioreactor solar energy system 52 optionally includes aprimary valve 112 that enables recirculation of release fluid 62 intofluid supply channel 48. In such a situation, biomass in release fluid62 may be harvested so that release fluid 62 can be reused, therebyconserving the working fluid. System 52 may further optionally includesecondary valves 114 for controlling a flow of supply fluid 58 intoindividual photosynthetic bioreactors 54, so that individual bioreactors54 can be taken offline for maintenance, replacement, and so forth.

Each of photosynthetic bioreactors 54 further includes a combustion gasinlet 116 in which combustion gas, represented by dashed arrows 118, isreceived into bioreactors 54. Combustion gas 118 bubbles up from thebottom of photosynthetic bioreactors 54 and supply fluid 58 flowsdownwardly in an opposing direction from combustion gas 118. Carbondioxide, and/or other pollutant materials, in combustion gas 118 isconverted to organic material in photosynthetic reactions occurring inbioreactors 54. Combustion gas 118 is subsequently released fromphotosynthetic bioreactors 54 through a gas outlet 120, with ideally asignificant reduction in pollutant materials.

In summary, the present invention teaches of a method of supporting asolar energy collection unit of a solar energy system. The methodentails the redistribution of local earthen materials to form an earthenstructure upon which the solar energy collection unit is arranged. Themethodology of excavating and redistributing local materials yieldsearthen support structures that are highly customizable, are costeffective to build and maintain, and have a minimal long term impact onthe local environment. Moreover, the methodology of the presentinvention yields a stable support structure for solar energy collectionunits with the associated installation complexity and cost ofconventional structural steel supports and concrete foundations. Theincorporation of internal strengthening materials into the earthenstructures and/or the encasement of the earthen structures in bindermaterial enhance surface integrity and overall stability under stressconditions. In addition, the earthen structures can provide thermalmanagement services to the solar energy systems, and channels can bereadily provided at the worksite for supply and release channeling of afluid medium used by the solar energy system.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have beenillustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that various modifications may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A method of supporting a solar energy collection unit of a solarenergy system comprising: redistributing earth at a worksite to form anelevated earthen structure having a sun facing surface; compacting saidearthen structure; and arranging said solar energy collection unit uponsaid sun facing surface of said earthen structure.
 2. A method asclaimed in claim 1 further comprising forming said sun facing surface tohave a first surface area at least as great as a second surface area ofsaid solar energy collection unit.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1further comprising conforming said sun facing surface of said earthenstructure to a shape of said solar energy collection unit.
 4. A methodas claimed in claim 1 further comprising aligning said earthen structureto provide shade for a portion of said solar energy system.
 5. A methodas claimed in claim 1 further comprising utilizing said earthenstructure for thermal management of said solar energy collection unit.6. A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising orienting said sunfacing surface at an elevation angle from horizontal of greater than tendegrees and less than ninety degrees.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1wherein said solar energy collection unit comprises enclosed members,and said arranging operation comprises aligning a longitudinal axis eachof said enclosed members with a slope of said sun facing surface.
 8. Amethod as claimed in claim 1 wherein said worksite includes non-flatterrain, said energy collection unit is one of a plurality of energycollection units of said solar energy system, and said redistributingoperation comprises: excavating said non-flat terrain to createterraces; and forming a plurality of earthen structures on said terracesfor arranging said plurality of energy collection units thereupon.
 9. Amethod as claimed in claim 1 further comprising encasing said earthenstructure in a binder material.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9wherein said binder material comprises adobe.
 11. A method as claimed inclaim 1 further comprising incorporating a non-earthen strengtheningmaterial internal to said earthen structure.
 12. A method as claimed inclaim 11 wherein said non-earthen strengthening material is detachedfrom said solar energy collection unit.
 13. A method as claimed in claim1 further comprising: providing a channel proximate said earthenstructure; directing a fluid through said channel; and supplying a fluidinlet of said solar energy collection unit with said fluid from saidchannel.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said providingoperation comprises excavating said earth to form said channel as anopen channel.
 15. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said channelis an enclosed member, and said providing operation comprises installingsaid enclosed member proximate said earthen structure.
 16. A method asclaimed in claim 1 further comprising: providing a channel proximatesaid earthen structure; supplying said channel with a fluid from a fluidoutlet of said solar energy collection unit; and directing said fluidthrough said channel.
 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein saidproviding operation comprises excavating said earth to form said channelas an open channel.
 18. A method as claimed in claim 16 wherein saidchannel is an enclosed member, and said providing operation comprisesinstalling said enclosed member proximate said earthen structure.
 19. Amethod as claimed in claim 1 wherein said solar energy collection unitis a photosynthetic bioreactor, said earthen structure supporting saidphotosynthetic bioreactor.
 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 whereinsaid solar energy system includes a plurality of photosyntheticbioreactors, and said redistributing operation comprises excavating saidearth at said worksite to form a plurality of elevated earthenstructures for supporting said plurality of photosynthetic bioreactors.21. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said worksite is at least onehundred acres, and said method comprises utilizing substantially anentirety of said at least one hundred acres to form a plurality ofelevated earthen structures for supporting a plurality of solar energycollection units.
 22. A method of supporting a solar energy collectionunit of a solar energy system comprising: redistributing earth at aworksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facingsurface; forming said sun facing surface to have a first surface area atleast as great as a second surface area of said solar energy collectionunit; orienting said sun facing surface at an elevation angle fromhorizontal of greater than ten degrees and less than ninety degrees;compacting said earthen structure; and arranging said solar energycollection unit upon said sun facing surface of said earthen structure.23. A method as claimed in claim 22 further comprising aligning saidearthen structure to provide shade for a portion of said solar energysystem.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 22 wherein said worksiteincludes non-flat terrain, said energy collection unit is one of aplurality of energy collection units of said solar energy system, andsaid redistributing operation comprises: excavating said non-flatterrain to create terraces; and forming a plurality of earthenstructures on said terraces for arranging said plurality of energycollection units thereupon.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 22 furthercomprising encasing said earthen structure in a binder material.
 26. Amethod as claimed in claim 22 further comprising incorporating anon-earthen strengthening material internal to said earthen structure,said non-earthen strengthening material being detached from said solarenergy collection unit.
 27. A method of supporting a photosyntheticbioreactor of a solar energy system comprising: redistributing earth ata worksite to form an elevated earthen structure having a sun facingsurface; orienting said sun facing surface at an elevation angle fromhorizontal of greater than ten degrees and less than ninety degrees;compacting said earthen structure; providing a channel proximate saidearthen structure; arranging said photosynthetic bioreactor upon saidsun facing surface of said earthen structure; directing a supply fluidthrough said channel; and supplying a fluid inlet of said photosyntheticbioreactor with said supply fluid from said channel.
 28. A method asclaimed in claim 27 further comprising forming said sun facing surfaceto have a first surface area at least as great as a second surface areaof said photosynthetic bioreactor.
 29. A method as claimed in claim 27wherein said photosynthetic bioreactor comprises enclosed members, andsaid arranging operation comprises aligning a longitudinal axis of eachof said enclosed members with a slope of said sun facing surface.
 30. Amethod as claimed in claim 27 wherein said channel is a first channel,and said method further comprises: providing a second channel proximatesaid earthen structure; supplying said second channel with a releasefluid from a fluid outlet of said photosynthetic bioreactor; anddirecting said release fluid through said second channel.
 31. A methodas claimed in claim 27 wherein said solar energy system includes aplurality of photosynthetic bioreactors, and said redistributingoperation comprises excavating said worksite to form a plurality ofelevated earthen structures for supporting said plurality ofphotosynthetic bioreactors.